Method and apparatus for identifying a page of a plurality of pages, and relaying the identity of the page to a computer

ABSTRACT

A manual ( 1 ) comprising a binder ( 6 ) and pages ( 3 ) releasably retained in the binder ( 6 ) comprises apparatus ( 2 ) for identifying an opened page ( 3 ) and for transmitting the identity of the page ( 3 ) to a computer ( 4 ). The apparatus ( 2 ) comprises a carrier member ( 15 ) which carries a plurality of photo sensors ( 16 ) for reading a binary identity code ( 17 ) along an edge of each page ( 3 ) for identifying the page. A plurality of input keys (37) on the carrier member ( 15 ) carry identifying symbols ( 40 ) which correspond to identifying symbols ( 41 ) provided on the pages ( 3 ) adjacent passages of text for facilitating inputting of select signals for operating the computer ( 4 ) to display additional data on a visual display unit ( 5 ) relating to the passage identified by the corresponding identifying symbol. A microprocessor in the carrier member ( 15 ) reads signals from the photo sensors ( 16 ) and the input keys ( 37 ) for identifying an open page ( 3 ) of the manual ( 1 ) and for identifying the passage for which additional data is to be displayed on the visual display unit ( 5 ). The microprocessor transmits a signal through a radio transmitter in the carrier member ( 15 ) to a radio receiver ( 35 ) of the computer ( 4 ), and the computer ( 4 ) is operated to display the additional data. The additional data which corresponds to the manual ( 1 ) is typically provided on a CD-ROM and is read into and stored in the computer ( 4 ). The apparatus ( 2 ) permits ready display of additional data relating to subject matter of a passage of text in the manual ( 1 ).

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for identifyinga page of a plurality of pages and for relaying the identity of the pageto a computer, and the invention also relates to a combination of theapparatus and a computer for operating the computer to display datarelating to subject matter in a passage of text on a page of theplurality of pages. The invention also relates to a manual comprisingthe apparatus.

Data, for example, training data, instruction data, and any other dataon any subject, machine, process or the like, may be provided in hardcopy form, for example, in the form of a manual having a plurality ofpages on which relevant data is printed, or the manuals may be providedin soft form, for example, on a CD-ROM for reading into a computer forin turn displaying on a visual display screen. Both methods of providingdata have advantages and disadvantages. Some people tend to beintimidated by computers, and thus prefer to have a hard copy form ofthe manual, while others prefer the convenience of a computer. Indeed,there are advantages in providing manuals in soft form, in that theamount of data which can be made available more conveniently issignificantly greater in soft form than in hard copy form, andadditionally the data in soft form may be provided in an animated formwhich is impossible in a hard copy manual. A better arrangement would beto provide some of the material in hard copy form, and more detailedexplanations, accompanied by, for example, animation on CD-ROM usingcomputer graphics. However, a disadvantage of this arrangement is thedifficulty of transferring readily easily from one medium, namely, thehard copy medium, to the other, namely, the soft copy medium. Forexample, if one were referred from a page in a hard copy manual to amore detailed reference in soft copy, in general, one would be requiredto key in data to the computer relating to the relevant page or therelevant reference of the data in order to display the additional datastored in soft form on a visual display screen. Even with the use of amouse, calling up specific data can be slow and tedious. However, therequirement to enter data to a computer through a. keyboard or a mouse,in many cases is intimidating to those who are not computer literate.

There is therefore a need for a method and apparatus for providing amanual in hard copy form and in soft copy form, which overcomes theseproblems.

The present invention is directed towards providing such a method andapparatus, and in particular, the invention is directed towardsproviding a method and apparatus for identifying a page of a pluralityof pages and for relaying the identity of the page to a computer. Theinvention is also directed towards a manual comprising the apparatus,and to a combination of the apparatus and a computer for operating thecomputer to display data relating to subject matter in a passage of texton a page of the plurality of pages.

According to the invention there is provided apparatus for identifying apage of a plurality of pages and for relaying the identify of the pageto a computer, wherein the apparatus comprises a carrier means, areading means carried on the carrier means for reading an identity codeon a page, and a communicating means for communicating the identity ofthe page to the computer.

In one embodiment of the invention the communicating means is carried onthe carrier means.

In another embodiment of the invention the apparatus comprises a binder,in which the pages are retained, and the carrier means is operablymounted on the binder for co-operating with the pages for facilitatingsequential reading of the identity codes on respective ones of thepages. Preferably, the binder comprises a front cover and a rear cover.

In one embodiment of the invention the carrier means is located on aninner surface of one of the front and rear covers. Preferably, thecarrier means is located on the rear cover. Advantageously, the carriermeans is located adjacent a side edge of the page opposite to a sideedge of the page adjacent which the page is secured in the binder.Ideally, the carrier means is moveably connected to the binder, and ismoveable between a reading position overlaying a portion of a pageadjacent an edge thereof for reading the identity code thereon and aninoperative position clear of the page for facilitating turning of thepages in the binder.

In one embodiment of the invention the carrier means is swivelablyconnected to the binder. Preferably, the carrier means is swivelablyconnected to the binder by a pair of spaced apart carrier ringconnectors.

In another embodiment of the invention each carrier ring connectorcomprises an upstanding limb extending substantially perpendicularlyfrom the binder adjacent the page, so that the carrier means co-operateswith each page with the reading means aligned with the identity code forreading thereof.

In a further embodiment of the invention the binder is a ring binderhaving a pair of spaced apart page engaging rings, each page engagingring comprising an upstanding limb extending perpendicularly to thebinder for locating the pages relative to the upstanding limb of thecarrier ring connector with the distance of the identity codes from theupstanding limbs of the carrier ring connectors substantially constant.

In another embodiment of the invention each identity code is located ona portion of the corresponding page for co-operating with the readingmeans for reading thereof. Preferably, each identity code is a machinereadable code. Advantageously, each identity code is printed on thecorresponding page.

In one embodiment of the invention each identity code is a binary codecomprising a plurality of discrete locations which are provided in oneof two states for indicating a corresponding one of a binary one stateand a binary zero state. Preferably, each identity code comprises tendiscrete locations. Advantageously, the discrete locations forming theidentity code on each page are aligned longitudinally along the page.

In one embodiment of the invention the reading means comprises at leastone photo sensor for reading the identity code. Preferably, a pluralityof photo sensors are provided, one photo sensor being providedcorresponding to each discrete location of the identity code.Advantageously, each photo sensor comprises a light emitter and a lightdetector for detecting the presence or absence of light reflected by thecorresponding discrete location from the light emitter. Ideally, therespective photo sensors are longitudinally aligned along the carriermeans and are located thereon at spaced apart locations.

In another embodiment of the invention an input means is provided forfacilitating inputting of a select signal for communicating to thecomputer for operating the computer to display data in response to theselect signal. Preferably, the select signal for operating the computerto display data, operates the computer for displaying data relating to afeature on one of the pages.

In another embodiment of the invention an identifying symbol is providedfor identifying a feature on a page for which data may be displayed bythe computer. Preferably, a plurality of identifying symbols foridentifying respective features are provided. Advantageously,appropriate ones of the identifying symbols are located on the page.Preferably, the appropriate ones of the identifying symbols are locatedon the page adjacent the corresponding feature. Ideally, the appropriateidentifying symbols are printed on the page.

In one embodiment of the invention the feature identified by theidentifying symbol is a passage of text on a page.

In one embodiment of the invention the input means is carried on thecarrier means.

In another embodiment of the invention the input means comprises aplurality of input keys.

Preferably, the respective input keys correspond to respective ones ofthe corresponding identifying symbols, and the input keys are identifiedby respective corresponding ones of the identifying symbols.

In one embodiment of the invention some of the identifying symbolsidentifying the input keys are similar to those associated with keys ofa mobile phone.

In another embodiment of the invention some of the input keys areprovided for inputting select signals for controlling operation of thecomputer.

Preferably, the input keys are spaced apart from each other, andadvantageously, the input keys are aligned longitudinally along thecarrier means.

In one embodiment of the invention sixteen input keys are provided.

Alternatively, the input means comprises a longitudinally extendingtouch sensitive strip. Preferably, the touch sensitive strip outputs ananalogue signal indicative of the location at which the touch sensitivestrip is touched.

In one embodiment of the invention the carrier means comprises anelongated carrier member extending parallel to the adjacent edge of theadjacent page.

In another embodiment of the invention a microprocessor is located onthe carrier means for receiving signals from the reading means and theinput means for converting the signals into digital signals forcommunicating to the computer.

In a further embodiment of the invention the communicating meanscomprises a radio transmitter for transmitting signals to the computer.

In a still further embodiment of the invention the communicating meanscomprises a transceiver for transmitting and receiving signals to andfrom the computer.

In one embodiment of the invention a means is provided for detectingmovement of the carrier means and for facilitating communication of asignal to the computer indicating that the carrier means is being movedfor readying the computer to display data in the event of the inputtingof a select signal through the input means.

The invention also provides a hard copy manual comprising a binder, aplurality of pages secured in the binder, at least some of the pagescarrying an identity code for identification thereof, a carrier meanslocated on the binder, a reading means carried on the carrier means forreading an identity code on a page of the hard copy manual, and acommunicating means for communicating the identity of the page to acomputer.

In one embodiment of the invention at least some of the pages have atleast one identifying symbol for identifying a feature thereon, and aninput means is provided for inputting a select signal corresponding tothe identifying symbol for communicating to the computer for operatingthe computer to display data relating to the subject matter of thefeature corresponding to the identifying symbol.

The invention further provides in combination apparatus according to theinvention and a computer, wherein the apparatus communicates with thecomputer through the communicating means for indicating the identity ofa page, and data relating to subject matter of the page is stored in oris accessible through the computer, and is selectable for display inresponse to a select signal communicated from the apparatus to thecomputer.

In one embodiment of the invention the computer is responsive to theselect signal from the input means corresponding to one of theidentifying symbols for displaying data relating to subject matter of afeature identified by the identifying symbol.

In another embodiment of the invention the computer is programmed toobtain the data to be displayed in response to the select signal from anexternal source over an external communications link.

In another embodiment of the invention the computer is programmed toobtain the data to be displayed over the internet.

In a further embodiment of the invention the computer is programmed forfacilitating online transactions via an external communications link inresponse to signals inputted through the input means.

In a still further embodiment of the invention the computer isprogrammed for facilitating the making of a purchase over the internet.

In one embodiment of the invention a radio receiver is providedassociated with the computer for receiving signals transmitted by thetransmitter of the apparatus and for relaying the received signals tothe computer.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention a transceiver is providedassociated with the computer for receiving signals transmitted by thetransmitter of the apparatus, and for transmitting signals to acorresponding transceiver of the apparatus.

Further the invention provides a method for communicating the identityof a page of a plurality of pages to a computer, the method comprisingthe steps of reading an identity code on the page indicative of theidentity of the page, and communicating the identity of the page to thecomputer through a communicating means.

In one embodiment of the invention the method comprises the further stepof inputting a select signal to the computer corresponding to anidentifying symbol located on a page for identifying a passage of texton the page for operating the computer to display data relating to thesubject matter of the passage of text corresponding to the identifyingsymbol.

In another embodiment of the invention the feature identified on thepage by the identifying symbol is a passage of text.

The advantages of the invention are many. The apparatus according to theinvention operates as an interface between a hard copy manual and acomputer having additional data relating to that in the manual storedtherein, and for facilitating ready selection of the data for display bythe computer. In particular, the method and apparatus are particularlysuitable for use by those who are not computer literate, and for thosewho may be intimidated by a computer, since the additional data canreadily easily be selected and displayed without the need to inputreferences to the data to be displayed through a computer keyboard, orthrough a mouse. All that is required is to place the carrier means onthe page for reading the identity code thereon for identifying andtransmitting particulars of the page to the computer, and then selectingthe additional data by inputting the appropriate identifying symbolthrough the input means corresponding to the subject matter on the pagefor which the additional data is required. Where the input means isprovided by a plurality of input keys which carry respective identifyingsymbols, all that is required is to press the appropriate key to inputthe identifying symbol for selecting the additional data relating to thesubject matter of a passage on the identified page of the manual.

Another advantage of the apparatus according to the invention is that itpermits the provision of additional data in soft copy form which couldnot easily be provided in hard copy form which can be readily easilyaccessed by a user of the manual.

Further advantages of the invention are achieved by virtue of the factthat once the page has been identified and relayed to the computer, andonce the subject matter the additional data on which is required iscommunicated to the computer by inputting the appropriate identifyingsymbol, a user is not limited to obtaining data stored in the computer.For example, the computer may be programmed that when certainidentifying symbols are selected for certain identified pages, thecomputer may dial up a website or the like of a particular supplier ofequipment, and it is envisaged that a user could then scroll through thepages of the website by inputting appropriate signals through the inputmeans on the carrier means. Further, the computer may be programmed forfacilitating transactions to be carried out over the internet, forexample, the purchasing of equipment, components and/or articles overthe internet using signals inputted through the input means, and creditcard details or purchase order numbers could be inputted through theinput means on the carrier means for relaying to the computer for inturn transmitting over the internet or other suitable medium to thesupplier of the goods.

A particular advantage of the invention is that a user of the manual whowishes to obtain data relating to a specific passage of text on anopened page is effectively provided with the data which is displayed ona visual display unit almost instantaneously, and it appears to the userthat the data is being displayed instantaneously with the request. Thisis achieved by virtue of the fact that the opened page is immediatelyidentified on the page being opened and the carrier member being broughtinto engagement with the page, and thus, data relating to passages oftext on the page can be read-ahead by the computer. Thus, on a userentering a select signal through the input means identifying the passageof text for which the data is required to be displayed, the data to bedisplayed is ready for selection, and in turn, for display. It has beenfound that once a response occurs within 0.5 seconds of a command, theresponse is perceived by a user as being instantaneous with the command.Accordingly, by having the data for an opened page read-ahead and readyfor selection and display, the data can be displayed within 0.5 secondsof the select signal being entered through the input means. The apparentinstantaneous display of data is further enhanced where the apparatus isprovided with a detecting means for detecting page turning so that ifthe data is to be read in from a CD-ROM or other medium into thecomputer prior to selection and display, the CD-ROM drive can beoperated to bring the CD-ROM up to speed while a page is being turned,so that when the identifying signal identifying the opened page isrelayed to the computer, the computer can immediately read in the datafrom the CD-ROM or other storage medium relating to the opened page. Inthis way the data is ready for immediate selection and display onreceipt of the select signal identifying the passage of text for whichthe data is to be displayed. Furthermore, diversion of a user'sattention initially to the manual and then to a display screen extendsthe period during which a user perceives the computer response to benear instantaneous, due to the fact that the user must first focus onthe manual, and then on the display screen.

The apparatus according to the invention has also many advantages in alecturing environment, where a lecturer and students would be providedwith the manuals according to the invention, and during the course ofthe lecture additional data could be selected by the lecturer or thestudents for display during the course of the lecture. Such additionaldata would be selected by entering a select signal through the inputmeans for selecting the desired additional data. The additional data maybe stored in a computer with which the apparatus would communicate, orcould be retrieved from a central store via an external communicationlink established by the computer.

The invention and its many advantages will be readily apparent to thoseskilled in the art from the following description of some embodimentsthereof, which are given by way of example only, with reference to theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a combination according to theinvention of a manual also according to the invention and a computer,whereby the manual comprises apparatus according to the invention fortransmitting the identity of a page of the manual to the computer andfor facilitating the inputting of a select signal for transmission tothe computer for operating the computer to display additional datarelating to the manual,

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the manual of FIG. 1 illustrating theapparatus also of FIG. 1 in a similar position on the manual asillustrated in FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the manual of FIG. 1 with theapparatus of FIG. 1 in the same position as illustrated in FIG. 1,

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the manual of FIG. 1 with theapparatus of FIG. 1 illustrated in a different position,

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of the manual of FIG. 1illustrating the apparatus of FIG. 1 in a further different position,

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of a page of the manual of FIG. 1,

FIG. 7 is a block representation of a circuit of the apparatus of FIG.1,

FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of a manual according to anotherembodiment of the invention,

FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of the manual of FIG. 8 illustratingapparatus also according to another embodiment of the invention of themanual of FIG. 8 in a different position, and

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a detail of the manual of FIG. 8.

Referring to the drawings and initially to FIGS. 1 to 7, there isillustrated a hard copy manual according to the invention, indicatedgenerally by the reference numeral 1, which comprises apparatus alsoaccording to the invention and indicated generally by the referencenumeral 2 for identifying an opened page 3 of the hard copy manual 1 andfor relaying the identity of the opened page 3 to a computer 4 so thatadditional data relating to a topic discussed on the identified openedpage 3 can be displayed by the computer 4 on a visual display unit 5.The additional data, as will be discussed below, may be stored in thecomputer 4 or accessed externally by the computer 4.

The manual 1 comprises a binder 6 having a front cover 7 and a rearcover 8 which are joined by a central spine 9. Four page engaging rings10 secured to the spine 9 releasably retain the pages 3 of the manual 1in the binder 6, and facilitate turning of the pages 3. The manual 1comprising the binder 6 and the pages 3 is similar to any suchconventional hard copy manual.

The apparatus 2 comprises a carrier means provided by an elongatedcarrier member 15, which carries a reading means comprising a pluralityof photo sensors 16 for reading an identity code 17 on each page 3 ofthe manual 1. Four carrier rings 20 secured to an inner surface 21 ofthe rear cover 8 of the binder 6 swivelably connect the carrier member15 to the binder 6, so that the carrier member 15 is swivelably moveableon the carrier rings 20 between a reading position illustrated in FIGS.1, 2 and 3 with the carrier member 15 overlaying a portion of the openedpage 3 for reading the identity code 17 thereon, and an inoperativeposition illustrated in FIG. 4 clear of the pages 3 for facilitatingturning of the pages 3. The four carrier rings 20 engage correspondingeyelets 23 in the carrier member 15.

In this embodiment of the invention the identity codes 17 foridentifying the respective pages 3 of the manual 1 are provided asbinary codes. Each identity code 17 comprises ten discrete locations 25provided along a side edge 24 of each page 3. The discrete locations 25of each identity code 17 are either printed with black ink, namely, thelocations 25 a, to indicate the binary code one, or left blank, in otherwords, unprinted, namely, the locations 25 b, to indicate the binarycode zero. Typically, the pages 3 will be of white paper so as tomaximise the contrast between the black printed discrete locations 25 awhich prevent light reflection indicating the binary code one, and theunprinted discrete locations 25 b which maximise light reflectionindicating the binary code zero.

The photo sensors 16 are longitudinally aligned along the carrier member15, and are located at spaced apart locations, one photo sensor 16 beingprovided corresponding to each discrete location 25, so that when thecarrier member 15 is in the reading position the photo sensors 16 arealigned with the corresponding discrete locations 25. Each photo sensor16 comprises a light emitter 26 and a light detector 27 for detectingthe presence or absence of reflected light from the correspondingdiscrete location 25 from the light emitter 26, see FIG. 7. In order tofacilitate light transmission from the light emitter 26 of each photosensor 16 to the corresponding discrete location 25 and to facilitatereflection of light therefrom for collection by the light detector 27,each photo sensor 16 terminates in a concave surface for abutting theopened page 3 for facilitating reflection of light emitted by thecorresponding light emitter 26 from the discrete location 25 to thelight detector 27.

In this embodiment of the invention the photo sensors 16 are only readby the microprocessor 30 on activation of the light emitters 26 in orderto avoid any danger of spurious signals being read from the photosensors 16 by the microprocessor 30. Any suitable light emitters may beused, for example, infrared, white light or the like. Invalid codes fromthe photo sensors 16 which are determined by the microprocessor 30 asbeing invalid are not transmitted to the computer 4 by themicroprocessor 30. Additionally, in order to minimise spurious signalsbeing transmitted to the computer, certain combinations of code are notallowed. For example, all binary ones and all binary zeros are notallowed.

The page engaging rings 10 each comprise vertical legs 28, and thecarrier rings 20 also comprise vertical legs 29. The vertical legs 28and 29 of the respective page engaging rings 10 and carrier rings 20 areso arranged to ensure that as the number of pages 3 beneath the carriermember 15, when the carrier member 15 is in the reading position,increases or decreases, the photo sensors 16 will always be aligned withtheir corresponding discrete locations 25 of the binary identity codes17 on the opened page 3.

A microprocessor 30 located in the carrier member 15 reads signals fromthe photo sensors 16 for identifying the opened page 3, and converts thesignals read from the photo sensor 16 into a suitable signal forrelaying to the computer 4. A bus 31 couples the light detectors 27 ofthe photo sensors 16 to the microprocessor 30 for reading thereof. Thelight emitters 26 are powered by a power supply cable 32 under thecontrol of the microprocessor 30.

A communicating means, in this embodiment of the invention a radiotransmitter 33 is located in the carrier member 15, and is operatedunder the control of the microprocessor 30 for transmitting signals tothe computer 4 identifying the opened page 3 of the manual 1.

A long life lithium disc shaped battery 34 powers the microprocessor 30,as well as the photo sensors 16 and the transmitter 33.

A radio receiver 35, which is tuned to the transmitter 33, and whichcommunicates with the computer 4 receives the signals transmitted by theradio transmitter 33 for relaying to the computer 4 for operating thecomputer 4 under the control of the apparatus 2 as will be describedbelow.

An input means comprising a plurality of input keys 37, in thisembodiment of the invention sixteen input keys 37, are located along thecarrier member 15, and communicate with the microprocessor 30 forfacilitating the inputting of select signals for relaying to thecomputer 4 for selecting additional data to be displayed by the computer4 on the visual display unit 5 relating to subject matter discussed inthe opened page 3. The input keys 37 operate corresponding switches 38,which are coupled to the microprocessor 30 through a bus 39. Each inputkey 37 carries a unique identifying symbol 40, and in this embodiment ofthe invention most of the identifying symbols 40 are similar tocorresponding symbols carried on the keys of a mobile phone. The symbols40 carried by ten of the input keys 37 are the digits one to nine andzero, respectively, as well as the letters A to Z arranged in groups asthey would be on the keypad of a mobile phone. The identifying symbols40 carried by the remaining keys 37 are an asterisk/plus symbol, a hashsymbol, a greater than arrow symbol and a less than arrow symbol.Additionally, one of the input keys 37 carries the symbol of a capitalletter M, and the last of the keys 37 carries the symbol of a capitalletter C. The ten input keys 37 which carry the digits one to nine andzero are used for inputting select signals to the microprocessor 30 foridentifying a passage of text on a page in relation to which additionaldata is to be displayed on the visual display screen 5, as will bedescribed below. The input keys 37 which carry the asterisk/plus symbol,the hash symbol, the greater than arrow symbol and the less than arrowsymbol are effectively used for inputting signals for operating thecomputer 4 after the selected data has been displayed, as will also bedescribed below. The input key 37 carrying the capital letter Midentifying symbol is a MENU key, which permits a user to call up a menuof the additional data which has been selected or may be selected inrespect of a passage of text on the opened page for display. The inputkey 37 which carries the capital letter C identifying symbol is a CANCELkey for facilitating cancellation of the display of data when the useris finished viewing the displayed data, or for terminating otherroutines being carried out by the computer 4. The input key 37 whichcarries the capital letter C identifying symbol may also be used forcancelling other operations of the computer 4.

Some or all of the pages 3 of the manual I carry a plurality ofidentifying symbols 41 adjacent respective passages of text, and eachidentifying symbol 41 identifies the corresponding adjacent passage ofthe text. The identifying symbols 41 are the digits one to nine andzero, and are thus similar to the identifying symbols 40, namely, thedigits one to nine and zero carried on the input keys 37. Theidentifying symbols 41 comprising the digits one to nine and zero areprinted on the page and encircled. Thus, if a user wishes to obtainadditional data or information relating to a particular passage of thetext of the opened page 3, the input key 37 carrying the identifyingsymbol 40 corresponding to the identifying symbol 41 adjacent therelevant passage of text on the opened page 3 is pressed, therebyproviding a select signal to the microprocessor 30. The microprocessor30, which has already identified the opened page 3 and relayed itsidentity to the computer 4, identifies the input key 37 which has beendepressed, and relays a corresponding select signal to the computer 4through the transmitter 33 for operating the computer 4 to display theadditional data relating to the identified passage in the text of theidentified page. The input key or keys 37 carrying the appropriateoperating identifying symbol can then be pressed by the user to operatethe computer 4 to display the data in a desired fashion, for example, toscroll the data, to select specific parts of the data for display or thelike.

In general, the additional data for all pages 3 of the manual 1 will bestored on a CD-ROM (not shown), and read into and stored in the computer4 through a CD-ROM reader 42. Alternatively, in cases where a largeamount of additional data is stored on a CD-ROM (not shown), the datawhen selected may be read by the computer 4 directly from the CD-ROM(not shown) and displayed directly by the computer 4 on the visualdisplay unit 5. However, in such cases in order to minimise delays indisplaying the additional data, the CD-ROM (not shown) is brought up tospeed as each page 3 of the manual 1 is turned. The microprocessor 30 ondetecting a change in the signals received from the photo sensors 16,determines that a page 3 of the manual 1 is being turned, and ondetecting such a change in the photo sensor signals, transmits a signalto the computer 4, which instructs the computer to bring the CD-ROMreader 42 up to speed.

The signals which are transmitted by the microprocessor 30 through theradio transmitter 33 are packaged into digital data in an appropriateprotocol by the microprocessor 30, and transmitted through thetransmitter 33. The received data packages which are received by theradio receiver 35 are relayed by the radio receiver 35 to the computer4. While any suitable communications protocol may be used forcommunicating between the radio receiver 35 and the computer 4, it ispreferred that a smart protocol will be used, for example, USB orFireWire.

A suitable software driver (not shown) is provided in the computer 4 foroperating the computer in response to the signals received from themicroprocessor 30.

In use, with the apparatus 2 and the computer 4 powered up, and with theadditional data on the CD-ROM (not shown) read in from the CD-ROM andstored in the computer 4, or with the CD-ROM ready in the CD-ROM reader42 of the computer 4, the apparatus 2 and computer 4 are ready for use.A user in the course of using the manual 1 who wishes to obtainadditional information on a particular topic in the manual 1 turns tothe appropriate page 3 of the manual 1. The carrier member 15 is thenswivelled on the carrier rings 20 from the inoperative position to thereading position to overlay the opened page 3 adjacent the edge thereofso that the photo sensors 16 are aligned with the discrete locations 25.The microprocessor 30 reads the photo sensors 16 for determining theidentity code 17 on the opened page 3 for in turn identifying the openedpage 3, and transmits the identity of the opened page 3 to the computer4 through the transmitter 33. The user then identifies the identifyingsymbol 41 which is located adjacent the passage of text on the openedpage 3 about which the additional data is required, and depresses theinput key 37 which carries the corresponding identifying symbol 40. Themicroprocessor 30 on reading the switches 38 of the input keys 37identifies the input key, which has been pressed. The microprocessor 30then transmits the select signal, which identifies the identifyingsymbol through the transmitter 33 to the computer 4. On receiving theselect signal, since the computer 4 already has received the identity ofthe opened page 3, the computer 4 identifies the passage of text aboutwhich the additional data is required and retrieves the additionalinformation from that stored in the computer from the CD-ROM, and theadditional data is displayed on the visual display unit 5. The user byusing the input key 37 which carries the less than arrow symbol may thenscroll through the additional data on the visual display unit 5. Themicroprocessor 30 and the computer 4 are appropriately programmed sothat when the additional data is displayed on the visual display unit 5,operation of the input key 37 which carries the less than arrow symbolscrolls the additional data.

Additionally, on the microprocessor 30 detecting a change in the signalsread from the photo sensors 16 indicating that the carrier member 15 isbeing swivelled for facilitating turning of a page 3, the microprocessor30 also transmits a signal through the transmitter 33 to the computer 4to indicate to the computer 4 that a page 3 in the manual 1 is beingturned. On receiving this signal, if the additional data is being readand displayed directly from the CD-ROM, the computer 4 operates theCD-ROM reader 42 to bring the CD-ROM up to speed, so that when thesignals identifying the opened page 3 and the appropriate identifyingsymbol 41 identifying the passage in the text for which additional datais required is transmitted to the computer 4, the CD-ROM will beoperating up to speed, and the additional data can be readily readdirectly from the CD-ROM and displayed on the visual display unit 5.However, where the additional data has already been read from the CD-ROMand stored in the computer 4, the signal transmitted by themicroprocessor 30 indicating a page turning is ignored by the computer4.

Additionally, the computer 4 may be programmed to co-operate with theapparatus 2 so that when certain input keys 37 are depressed forrequesting additional data for specific pages 3, the additional data maybe called up by the computer 4 from a source other than additional datastored in the computer 4 or on a CD-ROM, for example, the additionaldata may be called up over the internet, and may be provided in acentral storage bank which is accessible to users of the apparatus 2 viathe computer through an external communications link. Further, it isenvisaged that if, for example, the manual were a manual for operatingand maintaining machinery, when certain input keys 37 are depressed forrequesting additional data for certain pages 3, the computer may beprogrammed to dial up a website of a supplier of parts or components forthe machinery, and by operating the input keys 37 according toinstructions printed on the opened page 3 the user may scroll throughpages of the website to identify a part or component required for themachinery. Further, the computer may be programmed to permit a user topurchase a required component or part over the internet, and the userwould enter a purchase order number, if the user had an account with thesupplier of the component or part, or alternatively, a credit cardnumber through the input keys 37 which carry the digits one through nineand zero.

An advantage of providing the identifying symbols on the input keys 37which are similar to those on a mobile phone is that a user will befamiliar with a mobile phone keypad, and by appropriately programmingthe microprocessor 30 and the computer 4, the user will be able toperform the same kind of operations as is possible with a mobile phoneusing text and number entries and menu navigation, etc. as would be usedon a mobile phone, particularly when a user is in communication with awebsite or ordering a component part or the like over the internet orother suitable external communications link.

In general, in order to conserve power, the components on the carrierdevice are operated to remain in a low power state with themicroprocessor 30 powered down. In this state current consumption isrelatively low and is in the order of one to two microamps.Consequently, sleep state current consumption is of negligibleimportance. The microprocessor 30 wakes up at regular intervals to checkfor page changes. If no activity is detected, it returns to sleep. Thecheck intervals are set to around four times per second.

Needless to say, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the artthat the computer may be any suitable type of computer, for example, apersonal computer (PC), a laptop computer, or indeed, a mainframecomputer.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 to 10, there is illustrated a manual accordingto another embodiment of the invention, indicated generally by thereference numeral 50. The manual 50 is substantially similar to themanual 1, and similar components are identified by the same referencenumerals. The manual 50 comprises apparatus 51, which is alsosubstantially similar to the apparatus 2, for identifying an opened page3, and for transmitting the identity of the page 3 and a select signalinputted through the input keys 37 to a computer 4 for operating thecomputer 4 to display additional data on a visual display unit 5 insimilar fashion as the apparatus 2. Components of the apparatus 51 whichare similar to those of the apparatus 2 are identified by the samereference numerals. The main difference between the apparatus 51 and theapparatus 2 is in the input means. In this embodiment of the inventioninstead of the input means being provided by a plurality of input keys37, the input means comprises a resistive touch strip 52. Identifyingsymbols in the form of arrowheads 53 are located on each page 3 adjacentthe passages of text to which they correspond. Thus, a person wishing toobtain additional information on a specific passage of text adjacent oneof the arrowheads 53 presses the touch strip 52 adjacent thecorresponding arrowhead 53. The microprocessor 30 reads the signal fromthe touch strip 52, and from the analogue value of the voltage signalresulting from touching of the touch strip 52 the microprocessor 30determines the location at which the touch strip 52 is depressed, and inturn the selected arrowhead 53 of the corresponding passage of the text.A select signal identifying the passage of text for which the additionaldata is required is transmitted to the computer 4. The identity of theopened page 3 would already have been transmitted to the computer 4. Theadditional data is displayed by the computer 4 on the visual displayunit 5 as already described, or alternatively, the computer logs on to acentral data bank, an appropriate website or the like in a similarmanner to that already described with reference to the apparatus 2, inorder to retrieve the data for display on the visual display unit 5.

Additionally, in this embodiment of the invention the carrier member 15instead of being swivelably carried on carrier rings is carried on asupport member 55 which extends substantially perpendicularly from theinner surface 21 of the rear cover 8 of the binder 6. Hinges 56pivotally connect the carrier member 15 to the support member 55 so thatthe carrier member 15 is pivotal between the inoperative positionillustrated in FIG. 9 and the reading position illustrated in FIG. 8. Aproximity sensor 57 is located in the carrier member 15 for detectingrelative movement of the carrier member 15 relative to an opened page 3or the rear cover 8 of the binder 6 for indicating a possible pageturning. In this embodiment of the invention a signal is transmitted bythe microprocessor 30 to the computer 4 in response to themicroprocessor 30 reading a signal from the proximity sensor 57indicating movement of the carrier member 15 for in turn indicating tothe computer 4 the possibility of a page turning commencing for bringingthe CD-ROM up to speed, should this be required. In this embodiment ofthe invention the proximity sensor 57 is provided instead of programmingthe computer 4 to respond to changes in the signals from the photosensors 16 for transmitting a signal to the computer 4 indicating pageturning.

While in the apparatus 2 and 51 signals identifying the identity code ofan opened page and signals identifying a selected identifying symbolhave been described as being transmitted to the computer separately, itis envisaged that in certain cases the identity code of an opened pagewould not be transmitted to the computer until an identifying symbol hadbeen inputted through the input keys 37, and in which case, the identitycode of the page and the select signal corresponding to the selectedidentifying symbol would be packaged into a single digital data packageand transmitted to the computer 4. This would require the identity codeof an opened page to be packaged and transmitted each time anidentifying symbol had been selected.

While the apparatus 2 and the apparatus 51 have been described ascomprising a carrier member 15 in which the communication means in thecarrier means for communicating with the computer 4 is provided by aradio transmitter, in certain cases, it is envisaged that thecommunicating means on the carrier member 15 may be provided by a radiotransceiver, and the receiver for the computer 4 would also be providedby a radio transceiver. This would permit two-way communications betweenthe apparatus 2 and the computer 4. This would have the added advantageof facilitating disabling an apparatus 2 or 51, in the event that aplurality of apparatus were in use with the same computer. For example,in a lecturing situation where a lecturer would have a manual, and eachof the students would likewise have their own manual, the lecturer couldcommunicate with the computer through the apparatus of his or her manualfor facilitating enabling of his or her apparatus and disabling theapparatus of the students. During the progress of the lecture, thestudents' apparatus could be sequentially enabled by the lecturer withappropriate commands through his or her apparatus, thus permitting thestudents to sequentially select additional data to be displayed on thevisual display unit.

It is also envisaged that where a number of apparatus are communicatingwith the same computer, each of the apparatus would be provided withtheir own unique identity, and when transmitting a data packagecomprising the identity of an opened page and/or an identifying symbol,the identity of the apparatus would also be included in the datapackage. The computer would then determine whether the packaged datafrom that apparatus was entitled to obtain the additional data orotherwise, and if so, the additional data would be displayed on thevisual display unit, otherwise, the data package would be deleted by thecomputer or alternatively stored for use subsequently when the userwould be entitled to view the additional data. Other identificationsystems may be incorporated in the radio receiver 35 to create a linkbetween the manual, the computer and a specific user, for example,contact ID devices, such as a smart card, contactless ID devices, suchas an RFID tag, and/or biometric ID, such as a fingerprint scanner. Suchidentification systems will be well known to those skilled in the art.

The software for operating the computer in response to signals and datapackages received from the apparatus 2 and 51 can be supplied separatelyor with the CD-ROM which comprises additional data. Such methods ofproviding software will be well known to those skilled in the art.Additionally, the software required for operating the computer inresponse to the data packages and signals received from the apparatus 2and 51 may be suitable for operating in a Windows environment, forexample, in conjunction with Microsoft Windows.

It is also envisaged that the identity code on some of the pages of themanual, for example, the first few pages of the manual, may be arrangedto actually identify the manual itself. For example, the code appearingon the first few pages of the manual may include ISBN publication numberassigned to the manual. A unique bit symbol would indicate that the pageidentity code on the first few pages of the manual form part of the bookISBN publication number. Successive reading of the first few pages insequence would build up a full book code which could be as long asthirty-two to sixty-four bits. Typically, ISBN codes are ten decimaldigits (ten billion codes), which can be represented in sixty-four bits.It is also envisaged that additional bit symbols may be added to eachpage identity code for increasing the reliability of the detection ofthe page identity codes. These bits would include check bits, whichwould verify the validity or otherwise of a red identity code. Spuriouscodes could then be rejected.

The additional data which may be displayed on the visual display unitmay be any type of data, and may be displayed in any type of format. Forexample, the additional data may be provided as a Word document, inExcel, PowerPoint, Acrobat, Flash and many other formats. The additionaldata may be multimedia, spreadsheet data, chart data, graphical data,and in certain cases, the additional data may be animated, in the formof a movie, such as in the form of a video, with audio and othercontent, and may be animated or otherwise.

It is envisaged that both the apparatus and the computer may be providedwith transceivers as already discussed. By providing bi-directionaltransmission, acknowledgement of received signals would be permitted,thereby offering reliable end to end delivery, retransmission in theevent of corrupt data or collision occurring where multiple apparatusare used with a single computer, as well as additional control of thecomputer.

By providing two-way communication between the apparatus and thecomputer, specific apparatus may be readily disabled and re-enabledunder the control of the computer, and indeed, under the control of oneof the apparatus which may be designated a master apparatus, forexample, in a lecturing situation the apparatus of the lecturer may bedesignated as a master apparatus, and the other apparatus could becontrolled through the computer by the master apparatus.

Additionally, in order to minimise the,power required to operate theapparatus 2 and 51, the light detectors and the light emitters of thephoto sensors may be banked or multiplexed, so that groups of photosensors would be individually activated, this would also reduce thenumber of input/output pins required on the microprocessor 30.

While specific mounting arrangements have been described for mountingthe carrier member to the manual, any other suitable mountingarrangements or methods may be used. Indeed, in certain cases, it isenvisaged that the carrier member may be provided as a separate portableunit which would not be connected to the manual. Needless to say, whilethe apparatus has been described as comprising a carrier means of aparticular type for carrying the reading means, the input means, themicroprocessor and the transmitter, any other suitable carrier means maybe provided, and as mentioned above, the carrier means may be providedas a separate portable unit, which would be separate from the manual.

While the communicating means has been described as comprising areceiver/transmitter arrangement and/or two transceivers, it isenvisaged in certain cases that the apparatus may be hardwired to thecomputer. Additionally, while the apparatus has been described as beingfor use with a manual, the apparatus is suitable for use with any book,ledger, encyclopaedia or any other arrangement where pages are combinedinto a book, manual or booklet form.

It will also be appreciated that other suitable identity codes foridentifying the pages besides a binary code may be used. For example, incertain cases, the identity code may be provided in the form of abarcode. Additionally, while the identifying code has been described asbeing provided in the form of a binary code comprising ten bits, namely,the ten discrete locations, the identifying code, when provided as abinary code may be provided with any number of bits, and where a page islarge enough, it is preferable that the binary code should have themaximum number of bits which could be appropriately fitted onto thepage. Where possible, it is preferable that the binary code should be asixteen bit code, however, where the page is a relatively small page,the number of bits may be considerably less than sixteen, and indeed,may be less than ten. Needless to say, the number of bits of the binarycode may be greater than sixteen also if desired.

Needless to say, the identity code may be provided in any suitable ordesirable location on the pages. It will also be appreciated that otheridentifying symbols besides those described may be provided on the inputkeys and on the input pages, and it will be readily apparent to thoseskilled in the art that instead of providing the input means in the formof input keys as described with reference to the apparatus 2, the inputmeans may be provided by an elongated resistive strip as described withreference to the apparatus 51, and in which case, identifying symbolsmay be provided on the strip spaced apart along the length of theresistive strip touch strip. Likewise, instead of providing identifyingsymbols on the input keys of the apparatus as described with referenceto the apparatus 2, it is envisaged that arrowheads or other suitableidentifying means may be provided on the pages adjacent the location ofthe input keys, and where it is desired to obtain additional informationin respect of a passage of text adjacent a particular arrowhead, theinput key adjacent the arrowhead on the opened page would be depressedfor selecting the appropriate additional data.

While the reading means have been described as being provided by photosensors, any other suitable reading means may be provided. It will alsobe appreciated that any other suitable detecting means for detectingmovement of the carrier means relative to a page or the manual besides aproximity sensor as described with reference to the apparatus 51 may beused. For example, it is envisaged that a rotary sensor or a rotaryencoder may be incorporated in one of the hinges for detecting pivotingof the hinge, and in turn, pivoting of the carrier member, thusindicating pivoting of the carrier member, which in general wouldindicate turning of a page.

While the additional data has been described as being stored andprovided on a CD-ROM, the additional data may be stored on any othersuitable storage medium.

A further additional advantage of the invention is that irrespective ofwhether the carrier member is connected to the manual or not, where thereading means for reading the identity code on a page for identificationthereof, and the input means for inputting a select signal foridentifying a passage of text on a page in relation to which additionaldata is required, the apparatus according to the invention provides asingle integral unit, namely, the carrier member or carrier means whichincorporates the reading means and the input means for facilitating bothidentification of a page by reading an identifying code thereon and forinputting a select signal for identifying a passage of text on the pagein relation to which additional data is required, which in turnfacilitates communicating both the identity of the page and the identityof the passage of text in relation to which additional data is requiredto a computer for displaying the additional data. The provision of suchapparatus as an integral unit has many of the advantages discussed inthe specification, and in particular, facilitates the selection of theadditional data by a user without the need for entering commands througha keyboard of a computer or through a mouse.

Thus, the apparatus when provided in the form of a carrier member with areading means and an input means as a single integral unit firstly, as afirst step identifies a page, and then allows a further level ofdiscrimination by using the input means in order to select data withinthe total page related content. In addition, the online content may beprogrammed to allow a specific input key of the input means, forexample, the key carrying the menu symbol M, to cause the online contentto jump into a new mode, such as a calculator application, which wouldthen capture all input key strokes until a certain key sequenceterminates the function, for example, the cancel key carrying theidentifying symbol of the capital letter C. In this mode thepage-code-scanning function and the input key scanning function are nolonger linked to the physical page, but have jumped off the page into aspace controlled and defined by the invoked application, for example,the original page key combination could invoke Internet Explorer, whichwould at this stage be driven directly by the input keys through thesoftware driver, to access a web page. This would permit the ordering ofproducts over the internet, or obtaining information over the internet.All input key strokes and output displayed on the computer screen wouldnow have absolutely nothing to do with the original page content, whichmerely acts as an entry point to a new virtual space. Furthermore, theapparatus could remain in this mode, and could hop from application toapplication for as long as required. Finally, the mode could beterminated through a specific key sequence to jump back onto the page.This feature would allow the apparatus according to the invention tofunction, not only as a page code scanner, but also as a true inputdevice offering an alternative to many conventional keyboard and mousefunctions.

Needless to say, it will be appreciated that the apparatus according tothe invention may be used with any other series of pages, whether in amanual form, a book form, a magazine form, journal, loose pages or thelike, where at least some of the pages carry an identifying code.

Furthermore, while the identifying symbols have been described foridentifying passages of text on a page, in respect of which additionaldata is required to be displayed by the computer, the identifyingsymbols may be used for identifying any item on a page, in respect ofwhich additional data is required. For example, the identifying symbolsmay identify a heading or sub-heading on a page, in respect of whichadditional data is required. Additionally, the identifying symbols maybe used for identifying a sketch, a drawing, a feature of a drawing, aninstruction, or the like, in respect of which additional data isrequired.

1-57. (canceled)
 58. Apparatus for identifying a page of a plurality ofpages and for relaying the identify of the page to a computer,characterized in that the apparatus comprises a carrier means, a readingmeans carried on the carrier means for reading an identity code on apage, and a communicating means for communicating the identity of thepage to the computer.
 59. Apparatus as claimed in claim 58 characterizedin that the communicating means is carried on the carrier means. 60.Apparatus as claimed in claim 58 characterized in that the apparatuscomprises a binder, in which the pages are retained, and the carriermeans is operably mounted on the binder for co-operating with the pagesfor facilitating sequential reading of the identity codes on respectiveones of the pages, and the binder comprises a front cover and a rearcover, and the carrier means is located on an inner surface of one ofthe front and rear covers, and preferably, the carrier means is locatedon the rear cover, and advantageously, the carrier means is locatedadjacent a side edge of the page opposite to a side edge of the pageadjacent which the page is secured in the binder.
 61. Apparatus asclaimed in claim 60 characterized in that the carrier means is moveablyconnected to the binder, and is moveable between a reading positionoverlaying a portion of a page adjacent an edge thereof for reading theidentity code thereon and an inoperative position clear of the page forfacilitating turning of the pages in the binder, and preferably, thecarrier means is swivelably connected to the binder, and advantageously,the carrier means is swivelably connected to the binder by a pair ofspaced apart carrier ring connectors, and advantageously, each carrierring connector comprises an upstanding limb extending substantiallyperpendicularly from the binder adjacent the page, so that the carriermeans co-operates with each page with the reading means aligned with theidentity code for reading thereof, and ideally, the binder is a ringbinder having a pair of spaced apart page engaging rings, each-pageengaging ring comprising an upstanding limb extending perpendicularly tothe binder for locating the pages relative to the upstanding limb of thecarrier ring connector with the distance of the identity codes from theupstanding limbs of the carrier ring connectors substantially constant.62. Apparatus as claimed in claim 58 characterized in that each identitycode is located on a portion of the corresponding page for co-operatingwith the reading means for reading thereof, and preferably, eachidentity code is a machine readable code, and advantageously, eachidentity code is printed on the corresponding page, and preferably, eachidentity code is a binary code comprising a plurality of discretelocations which are provided in one of two states for indicating acorresponding one of a binary one state and a binary zero state, andadvantageously, each identity code comprises ten discrete locations, andideally, the discrete locations forming the identity code on each pageare aligned longitudinally along the page.
 63. Apparatus as claimed inclaim 62 characterized in that the reading means comprises at least onephoto sensor for reading the identity code.
 64. Apparatus as claimed inclaim 63 characterized in that a plurality of photo sensors areprovided, one photo sensor being provided corresponding to each discretelocation of the identity code, and preferably, each photo sensorcomprises a light emitter and a light detector for detecting thepresence or absence of light reflected by the corresponding discretelocation from the light emitter, and advantageously, the respectivephoto sensors are longitudinally aligned along the carrier means and arelocated thereon at spaced apart locations.
 65. Apparatus as claimed inclaim 58 characterized in that an input means is provided forfacilitating inputting of a select signal for communicating to thecomputer for operating the computer to display data in response to theselect signal.
 66. Apparatus as claimed in claim 65 characterized inthat the select signal for operating the computer to display data,operates the computer for displaying data relating to a feature on oneof the pages.
 67. Apparatus as claimed in claim 65 characterized in thatan identifying symbol is provided for identifying a feature on a pagefor which data may be displayed by the computer, and preferably, aplurality of identifying symbols for identifying respective features areprovided, and advantageously, appropriate ones of the identifyingsymbols are located on the page, and preferably, the appropriate ones ofthe identifying symbols are located on the page adjacent thecorresponding feature, and ideally, the appropriate identifying symbolsare printed on the page.
 68. Apparatus as claimed in claim 65characterized in that the input means is carried on the carrier means.69. Apparatus as claimed in claim 65 characterized in that the inputmeans comprises a plurality of input keys, and preferably, therespective input keys correspond to respective ones of the correspondingidentifying symbols, and the input keys are identified by respectivecorresponding ones of the identifying symbols, and advantageously, someof the identifying symbols identifying the input keys are similar tothose associated with keys of a mobile phone, and preferably, some ofthe input keys are provided for inputting select signals for controllingoperation of the computer, and ideally, the input keys are spaced apartfrom each other.
 70. Apparatus as claimed in claim 69 characterized inthat the input keys are aligned longitudinally along the carrier means,and preferably, sixteen input keys are provided.
 71. Apparatus asclaimed in claim 65 characterized in that the input means comprises alongitudinally extending touch sensitive strip, and preferably, thetouch sensitive strip outputs an analogue signal indicative of thelocation at which the touch sensitive strip is touched.
 72. Apparatus asclaimed in claim 58 characterized in that the carrier means comprises anelongated carrier member extending parallel to the adjacent edge of theadjacent page.
 73. Apparatus as claimed in claim 58 characterized inthat a microprocessor is located on the carrier means for receivingsignals from the reading means and the input means for converting thesignals into digital signals for communicating to the computer, andpreferably, the communicating means comprises a radio transmitter fortransmitting signals to the computer, and advantageously, thecommunicating means comprises a transceiver for transmitting andreceiving signals to and from the computer, and preferably, a means isprovided for detecting movement of the carrier means and forfacilitating communication of a signal to the computer indicating thatthe carrier means is being moved for readying the computer to displaydata in the event of the inputting of a select signal through the inputmeans.
 74. A hard copy manual comprising a binder, a plurality of pagessecured in the binder, at least some of the pages carrying an identitycode for identification thereof, a carrier means located on the binder,a reading means carried on the carrier means for reading an identitycode on a page of the hard copy manual, and a communicating means forcommunicating the identity of the page to a computer.
 75. A hard copymanual as claimed in claim 74 characterized in that at least some of thepages have at least one identifying symbol for identifying a featurethereon, and an input means is provided for inputting a select signalcorresponding to the identifying symbol for communicating to thecomputer for operating the computer to display data relating to thesubject matter of the feature corresponding to the identifying symbol,and preferably, a computer characterized in that the apparatuscommunicates with the computer through the communicating means forindicating the identity of a page, and data relating to subject matterof the page is stored in or is accessible through the computer, and isselectable for display in response to a select signal communicated fromthe apparatus to the computer.
 76. The combination as claimed in claim75 characterized in that the computer is responsive to the select signalfrom the input means corresponding to one of the identifying symbols fordisplaying data relating to subject matter of a feature identified bythe identifying symbol, and preferably, the computer is programmed toobtain the data to be displayed in response to the select signal from anexternal source over an external communications link, andadvantageously, the computer is programmed to obtain the data to bedisplayed over the internet, and preferably, the computer is programmedfor facilitating online transactions via an external communications linkin response to signals inputted through the input means, andadvantageously, the computer is programmed for facilitating the makingof a purchase over the internet, and preferably, a radio receiver isprovided associated with the computer for receiving signals transmittedby the transmitter of the apparatus and for relaying the receivedsignals to the computer, and preferably, a transceiver is providedassociated with the computer for receiving signals transmitted by thetransmitter of the apparatus, and for transmitting signals to acorresponding transceiver of the apparatus.
 77. A method forcommunicating the identity of a page of a plurality of pages to acomputer, the method comprising the steps of reading an identity code onthe page indicative of the identity of the page, and communicating theidentity of the page to the computer through a communicating means. 78.A method as claimed in claim 77 characterized in that the methodcomprises the further step of inputting a select signal to the computercorresponding to an identifying symbol located on a page for identifyinga feature on the page for operating the computer to display datarelating to the subject matter of the feature corresponding to theidentifying symbol, and preferably, the feature identified on the pageby the identifying symbol is a passage of text.